Author's Note:
I don't own Star Wars. Disney Lucasfilm does. I make no other profit from this than getting lost in the galaxy far, far away I love, and, in my own mind at least, saving the characters I love from becoming something I no longer recognize.
I am finding myself inspired more and more by fan created Star Wars materials. Admiral Nalan and his Imperials are inspired by the Youtube video Tie Fighter Remastered. It's amazing! That seven minute video truly represents the deadly Empire I remember and is a worthy opponent for the Alliance.
I quoted the Phantom Menace toward the end of this chapter, and Leia's part of her speech, what Pooja said Leia added. Those were very slightly altered version George Lucas' words in an video I found of him on Youtube describing the Force and the Jedi. I thought it was great, so I had Leia quote George.
"A singular sight," muttered Admiral Nalan to himself as the few ancient asteroids flowed midst an entirely new field of space junk. Mingled together, they formed a strange hybrid asteroid field. A fine exhibit, thought Admiral Nalan, showcasing the art of war with the scattered, frozen remains of rebels serving as the satisfying finishing touch.
Only a half hour earlier, this macbre section of space had been ablaze with ion cannon fire. A smile crept across his lips as he relished seeing a the remains of a Rebel convoy his troops destroyed to the last ship.
His smile slipped a bit as he reminded himself that this, though a testament to the Imperial Navy's might, did not ensure the Empire would endure.
"Admiral Nalan, divisions four, nine, and five are requesting a conference. Others may be added to the session as well, I have been informed."
"Set up the links," The blond man directed, his blue eyes scanning the sensor pits below his feet. "I will be in the war chamber."
Hearing laughter, Leia walked into the secured sitting room, though her mind still lingered on thoughts of her mother and the choices she must make.
Luke, blindfolded, stood surrounded by his cousins, aunt, uncle, grandparents, and Han, all throwing wadded paper balls at him.
"Good," laughed Luke. "Now pass me that broom we took from the maintenance closet. Hi, Leia."
"How did you know she came in?" asked Huwae. "She didn't make as sound."
"I felt her presence. It's a Force thing," Luke explained.
"That is so wizard! You have got to teach me how to do that!" enthused Lanu.
"What are you doing?" Leia asked, a smile spreading to light her eyes.
"Demonstrating Force assisted situational awareness," Luke said, taking the broom.
"Okay guys. Take your ammunition," He directed as he moved away and began spinning the broom in his hand.
"Why are you doing this?" laughed Leia.
"You know one of the first lessons we provide new recruits is self defense, and one of the first parts of that is?"
"Being aware of your surroundings. But being pelted with paper balls?"
"What better way to motivate Ryoo, Huwae, and Lanu to use their ability to sense their surroundings, than to avoid being pelted with paper balls?"
Leia chuckled and took a few papers from the stack that was apparently the ammunition cache and wadded it up. "I have to see this training method, oh wise Master Jedi."
Luke smiled back and pulled the blindfold tighter. "Okay everyone, fire when ready."
Laughter from all and squeals of delight from Julee bounced around the room. Luke spun, ducked, and dodged, knocking away an impressive number of the paper balls. The spinning broom never came within striking distance of anyone, and that impressed Leia even more due to the way Luke was almost dancing within the circle of his family.
Soon the laughter rose as it became apparent that Luke was intentionally and precisely directing the projectiles back at the people who threw them."
Leia chuckled, as Luke deflected several balls of paper back at Huwae, each one hitting him in the middle of his forehead.
Luke knocked back another few balls, and held his hand up for time.
The assault of the flying paper ended in a cheerful cease fire.
Luke waved Lanu into the circle. "Put the blindfold on and breathe deeply for a moment. Remember, focus on the the Force, and allow it to guide your hands." Lanu nodded and reached out. Luke placed the broom handle in his hand and stepped back. "Ready. Set," He began. Everyone grinned and took up their handful of paper balls.
"Fire."
Laughter and the swish of flying paper filled the air followed quickly by Lanu's laughing protest.
"Focus," Luke said, grinning.
Luke walked beside Leia and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Did you find what you needed?" he whispered.
"Only more questions," she whispered back.
Lanu began to knock a few balls back and the laughter increased. "Good going. Take off the blindfold. We'll go back to you later. Huwae or Ryoo, who's next?"
"Would you mind if I tried?" Leia asked. If learning this could protect herself or others, shouldn't she learn it? It was just paper and a broom handle. It's not true training, she told herself.
"Sure, Leia," Ryoo said.
Luke grinned broadly. He didn't wait for Lanu to walk the blindfold to him, but plucked it from him using the Force and floated the blindfold to his hand. He placed the blue cloth around Leia's eyes, and led her to the center of the group. Taking the broom from Lanu he stepped back a few paces from his sister. Leia reached out her hands toward Luke .
"Luke," she said, waving her hands in front of her.
"Aren't you going to give me the broom?"
"Take it," Luke said moving the broom from hand to hand. "Sense where it is, and take it."
Leia growled irritatedly. She took a deep breath and focused as Luke had taught her during her Millennium Falcon meditation sessions. Sensing movement, Leia reached out and took it mid toss from Luke. She, realizing exactly what she'd just done, smiled as she gripped the smooth wooden handle.
"That was so cool!" crowed Lanu. "Next time I want to have to do that for the broom."
Luke laughed heartily. "Sure, Lanu. We'll do that next time. She has her weapon, everyone," Luke added, sounding every bit as gleeful as his emotions were broadcasting to Leia. He ran to the outer edge of the circle and pointed at Leia. "Get her."
Leia laughed at first as she was pelted by balls. As she focused on this strange new sense of hers, she could sense, almost see, the paper balls coming at, and knocking them back was almost easy. She laughed and lost herself in the fun and fascination of this unforgettable family bonding experience.
A few moments later, the Admiral sat in his seat. With the tap of a few symbols on the desk in front of him, several other admirals were projected, sitting in the surrounding seats.
"Greetings," said Grand Admiral Mirut. "I trust you all are holding your sections with the discipline and commitment that lifted to your rank."
Grim faced nods were the only answer to his query. "I have reviewed the reports from all of your sectors, and you compose the vanguard of our military. Our governor's are struggling to maintain control of the Empire in the wake of the Emperor and Lord Vader's demise."
"The governor's," the Grand Admiral continued, "think to dictate to us who will lead the Empire, while we place our lives jeopardy with each strike of the rapidly growing Rebel Alliance. I no longer concur that we should allow them, and their undisciplined squabbling to guide us. We will remind them their power comes from us."
"What are you suggesting, Grand Admiral?" Admiral Nalan asked, his blue eyes narrowed.
"The Empire is losing ground under these political fools. Systems are leaving the Empire in droves. The widely seen Noobian debates are just one example of the folly of trusting debate and political persuasion to keep our systems in line. The Emperor ended that method of control the day he disbanded the Senate."
The other officials nodded their agreement.
"I agree, Grand Admiral," said Admiral Gerrat, of the Ninth Division. "However, I've been informed that the People's Protectorate group is merely a puppet organization for the Empire, and we have other such organizations set up on most worlds to control and shape opinion on these systems. What if the Governor's seek to use these tools to undermine us?"
"It is true they have these useful fools on many of our unwieldy systems like Corellia, or symbolic worlds like Naboo, where they do not wish us to appear too heavy handed. All just different enough to avoid casual connections, but with time and the damned free flow of information, it is possible the connections will be made."
The Grand Admiral sat back, steepling his fingers together before he continued.
"If the governors seek to use these pathetic puppets against us, we can make their true allegiances known as a preemptive strike, and deny them these tools. After the systems are back under our control, we will not toy with such pathetic half measures to control our Empire."
"With the fall of the Emperor, Vader, and the destruction of the Death Star," observed Nalan. "We grow weak. That is for one reason. The Empire maintained it's strength because all feared our navy and it's retribution."
"And they will fear us again," The Grand Admiral vowed. "But we can no longer function well as a navy with the regional governors acting as if they can command us because we once were assigned to protect their sectors of the galaxy."
"Those undisciplined fools fight among themselves to maintain power they have not earned. We earned our ranks. By discipline, work, and excellence, we rise. We survive when our comrades die in flames."
"The political classes are not strong enough to maintain power." The Grand Admiral continued. "Only our might, experience, and our discipline can crush the rebellious systems as we decide the future of our government."
"Are you suggesting we abolish the role of the Regional Governors?" Asked General Tuenep of third division.
"No," explained the Grand Admiral. "They have their uses, but we shall forge a coalition, and once formed, shall infom the Governors that they report to us now. The leadership of the Empire will rise from the strong as it alway has. As it always will."
The other men nodded, grim smiles on their face, their eyes hard as stone.
"Unfortunately, none of our forces are close enough to arrive before the farce of an election can occur on the traitorous Naboo System. This is troubling, seeing the havoc that spectacle is causing across the galaxy. The Jedi, the Princess, and General Solo's performance," The Grand Admiral spat, "have been destabilizing. Many systems on the edge of rebellion have turned traitor."
"It is a concern, but we are and an agency of action. Once we solidify our coalition, we will plan a campaign and will systematically retake, and retrain our Empire by the most effective and permanent means necessary."
"Before the eyes of the galaxy, we will utterly destroy these three fools for daring to challenge us."
"Again, I must thank you for your work during the second debate, Master Jedi Skywalker," Mon said from the view screen. "And please convey my condolences to the Queen for her losses, and to the Naberrie family as well."
"I will," promised Luke.
"We have an small fleet available if your delegation needs safe passage from the Naboo System. We are concerned Advisor C'nnem's Imperial escort have plans to attack you or the Naboo after the election. The fleet can be scrambled with the emergency codes you have stored in your Artoo unit."
"I hope it doesn't come to that," Luke said. "But we'll be ready."
"Several more worlds, some who we have not sought allegiance from, have joined us."
Mon smiled, "Three of these worlds said they specifically joined because the Jedi ally with us. Your mission continues to reap wide-ranging benefits."
"I'm glad I was able to help," Luke said, smiling.
"It is also why I am concerned for your safety. I know you are aware of your friends on the surface. You will know them by the usual codes and methods."
Luke nodded.
"Princess Leia and General Solo are well?" asked Mon.
"Yes," Luke said with a nod.
"But after the attack on the Naberries, we thought it was wise for part of our delegation to remain behind with them as protection until our mission is complete and their safety is assured."
"I think this, too, is wise," agreed Mon Mothra. "After a moment, Luke added softly. "You have no idea how important they've become to me."
Mon smiled. "I am glad you've enjoyed their company."
"Should I have Leia or Han contact you?" Luke asked.
"No, I'm sure you can convey all that is necessary to your delegation. Be safe, and may the Force be with you."
"May the Force be with you," Luke returned.
"You were amazing," Han muttered, kissing a trail down Leia's neck.
"I had no clue what I was doing," Leia admitted. "It was kinda fun though."
"Kinda fun?" Han said, sitting up and flashing her his crooked smile. "You were grinning like the Gondark that got the Porg." He leaned in, gazing into her eyes. "You were loving every minute of it."
"The feelings were intense, and I didn't know how much I'd like it," Leia admitted with a shrug, looking away.
"I couldn't tell," Han said, smirking.
"You think I'd been pelted by paper balls before?" Leia asked, standing from the empty sitting room couch and walking to look out the moonlit window on Theed's main square.
"I'd think," Han said, standing up to face her under the starlit window. "You were enjoying this Force power thing."
Leia stiffened. "I shouldn't."
"Why not?" Han asked, running his hands up and down her arms.
"You know why not."
"You're not him. Luke does a lot of good with his Jediness." He chuckled, "At least, most of the time. And he seems to like it. Would it be so bad for you to consider learning more about it yourself?"
Leia laughed ruefully, "Are you looking to find a way to have me as your wife, and still have an excuse to roam the galaxy in that hunk of junk? You want spend the rest of our lives jumping in and out of trouble?"
Han smirked at her. "Not saying I'd mind keeping a pilot's lifestyle, Sweetheart. Not at all, but it's just, for a while, you seemed kinda content and happy while you were knocking those balls back at us. I like you content and happy."
Leia smiled up at him. "I'm content and happy when I'm in your arms, General."
Han smiled broadly and pulled Leia into an embrace.
"Then let's make that happen," he muttered as he lowered his lips to hers.
Admiral Nalan paced as the star lines blazed then faded into the strange warped black of hyperspace. He would soon be meeting with what would form the core of Imperial naval might. Yet on the Naboo something was happening that seemed a threat his instincts and training demanded not be allowed to stand.
He was glad to be building a cohort with other leaders who could clearly see the threat the General, the Jedi, and the Princess were becoming. Symbols had power. These symbols even more so.
All three played important roles in the destruction of both Death Stars. All three defied Imperial authority many more times and in very public ways both before and after their formally becoming a part of the Rebel Alliance.
And two of them could clearly claim Imperial injustice set them on their fight. Three if you count General Solo's story of freeing the Wookie, Chewbacca from Imperial slavery. Some would believe it; others would discount it. But enough would believe to cause difficulty for the Empire.
Their influence must be neutralized. But how? The flow of information could not be stemmed for now. The new Empire must work around this latest complication and find a way to use it to their advantage. Killing them outright carried the risk of transforming them into martyrs. But it would be quicker than finding a way to undermine the galaxy's faith in them.
There was probably much negative information to be dredged up about a former smuggler and dishonorably discharged Imperial recruit.
Nalan shook his head. General Han Solo's life story exemplified making one's life noble after making many mistakes. His shady actions in the past were not hidden, and many of those said actions were already being discussed, even romanticized, by sentients all over the blasted open information forums.
No he, the Empire, needed a way to tarnish the reputations of the Jedi and the Princess. Yet was there enough time?
He shook his head. Both strategies should be employed. These three would be hard to kill, but if it could be accomplished, it should be done. Though it would be better if they could be made to disappear.
Hmm. Nalan stroked his smooth chin in thought as he looked out the transparasteel window. If they were killed somewhere where their bodies could not be found and in a chaotic and confusing situation, that would rattle everyone's faith in their seemingly divine powers. It would be even more effective if many civilians were killed as well, perhaps the rebel's death could be seen as a dereliction of duty or a result of cowardice. Perhaps…
True, none of his competent crew could be a part of this action, but the Star Destroyer Judgement orbited the Naboo System now. He could look at the duty rosters for that destroyer, make a list of suggested attack units, and send his mission recommendations to the crew under the authority of their bumbling Governor. His team of code breakers could do such a thing without the slightest exertion.
No, he dismissed that thought with a slight shake of his head. It would be better to convince their commanding officer to unite with the reorganized fleet, the one that would take back the Empire and restore it's authority. If this commander did not have the vision to see angering the soon to be irrelevant politicians was worth the risk, they were not strong enough to serve the Empire.
Once they'd taken their actions, they would earn a place in his battle group, and his own advantage within the fleet would increase all the more.
It was wise strategy, especially since the Judgement's attack would likely be passed off as the actions of a rogue Imperial ship. In the midst of all of the chaos in the fleet at the moment, its motivation wouldn't be looked at too closely by the current leadership of the Empire until it was too late.
If it worked well, the Rebel Scum would be neutralized. If not, Admiral Nalan could pass the blame to eager Imperials without proper leadership.
The Admiral began to pace as the ideas solidified within his mind.
Extra steps would have to be taken. No prisoners could be captured with valuable intel about the reorganization happening within his segment of the Empire.
The Naboo system would likely be lost to the Empire after this action, but it would be temporary. And Naboo would become the perfect world to use as an example of the price of treachery once the Empire was whole once more.
Admiral Nalan hoped he earned the right to lead that operation. He rather liked the idea of poisoning the water that was the foundation of that world, and seeing everything wither and die in agony before his eyes. Then let everyone on the Holonets watch. Let them watch and fear the true power of the Empire.
And if the foolish Advisor Peluch C'nnem, who was bungling everything, came into the hands of truly competent Imperials, an example of the price of failure for disgraces the Empire would be made for all the galaxy to witness.
"Yes," thought Nalan, as he turned on his heel and turned to a fellow officer. "I will be in my office if you require my presence," Nalan informed his Captain. "The bridge is yours."
"I have plans to make," he thought as he strode to his office. "research to do, and strike teams to assemble."
"Representative Baemek, it is so good of you to contact us," said Advisor C'nnem.
"It is my honor. I am pleased to report that both the mysterious deaths of the captives after the arrival of Master Jedi Skywalker and the deaths of the guards at the Naberrie estate have created a wave of voter sentiment in our favor. Many in fact are becoming so frightened by these events that they fear coming forward to vote against the Empire."
"That is wise of them. I must compliment you on the fact that rumors of a Jedi mass slaughter of unarmed prisoners has now become widely spread on the holonets. Death by asphyxiation—nice touch." Baemek nodded and smirked at the compliment. "It is not yet widely believed, but it is a start. Stay the course in your districts, Representative Baemek. We will contact you further before our next pointless debate."
The Advisor cut communications, and turned to the tech nearest the viewscreen. "Open communications with Jess Rees."
A moment later a screen lit up with the face of the mining guild president. He bowed from the waist and said, "It is an honor to hear from you, Advisor C'nnem."
"You did well with the deaths of your captured agents. Rumors abound, discounting the validity of the official reports from the Theed officials. Doubt toward Luke Skywalker and his involvement in their deaths was well planned indeed."
"If Lord Vader could kill by strangulation with only his mind, why not this stripling posing as a Jedi? I am glad our indoctrination campaigns contained a few strong minded enough they could enact the plan before it could be detected."
"For the third debate, the Princess must not be allowed to speak. We both know her home world will play heavily in her address, and, no matter how we seek to spin the destruction of Alderaan, too many innocents died to provide adequate justification for that act. We must silence this. This election and the havoc following it has caused disruption across the galaxy. It must be stopped."
"Kill the Queen perhaps?" suggested Rees.
"It would be a pleasure to see that traitor destroyed. Perhaps not just the queen but also all of the representatives as well."
Advisor Peluch C'nnem paused a moment, "Yes. The attack should be focused on taking out the leadership. It will also be easer to replace them after this disaster of a soft rebellion is quashed. Something that must be done in any case."
"And easier to convince the people that they will be protected if they are loyal unlike their leaders."
"That will stop the vote in Theed perhaps, but elsewhere on the planet?"
"Let them vote after their rulers and the rebels are destroyed. We will ignore their votes, and do what we choose."
"What of the holonet coverage of these events?"
"All connections to the rest of the galaxy will be cut off as the Princess begins her speech, and a report circulated that the Rebels attacked, destroying the leadership when they would not agree to join with them. It will be false, but enough doubt will arise from the results. Our strength will grow and all will know the price of rebellion."
Steel gray clouds blanketed late night's sky and sheets of heavy rain fell as Luke stared out the window. "I hope this is gone by tomorrow. I know they want to have the debates outside like the last one."
"It should be," Leia said standing beside him. She smiled as he stared out into the storm. "You alright?"
Luke chuckled. "I know I've said it before, but to see water falling from the sky like this. It's crazy for a Tatooinian guy like me. It's…" Luke trailed off as the rains outside intensified and the winds blew sheets of water at angles parallel to a metal landing dock that was not on Naboo.
"A vision?" he thought.
A form stumbled from a shuttle onto the rain soaked surface. Luke tried to focus on the image but the form was blown aside. Scrabbling forward, the creature blurred in the barrage rain of whipping and pouring on it. The howl of the winds roared in his senses as a scarred and bandaged hand reached up to hit a pressure plate. A tall paper white alien rushed forward.
The winds sounded in his mind allowing Luke to hear only snippets of words. "-Lp me. -An We-"
"What is it?" Leia asked.
"I don't know," Luke answered as he looked out into the rain once again, this time seeing only Theed before him. A chill raced up his spine. "I don't know."
"The queen has your dress cleaned and repaired. You'll look the part when you make your speech."
"Good," Leia said scanning her data pad once more in preparation for the morning's speech. "I think I have my presentation finished. Scan it for me and let me know what you think, Pooj."
Pooja glared at Leia, then chuckled, seeing her cousin's smile. "That nick name is sticking now. Thanks to you three."
"You're welcome," teased Leia. "Had another walk with, Guardsman Panaka lately?"
Pooja took the pad. "I used to consider you a friend."
"And now?"
"You're bratty in a way only family can be."
Leia laughed.
Pooja smiled wider as she began to read Leia's speech. "You've outdone yourself." She continued to read quietly for a few moments. "Wow," she whispered. "Bail Organa really said that?"
Leia nodded, her eyes bright. "I'll never forget. It was just before I left for my first term as senator."
"People, cultures, and worlds are like Jibrate seeds. Some are so beautiful they are transformed into jewelry some are small withered things. If sealed away from the earth they were evolved to enter they remain small: containable, controllable, and completely useless.
If free to fall into the environment they are meant for—the soil, the sun, the water change them, and they expand and transform to become something taller than ten humans can reach standing upon each other's shoulders, and their fruit is enough to feed a small village.
It is not without danger this journey from seed to tree is taken. Things can go wrong, disease can strike, animals can eat the young shoots, but the seed are but shadows of what they are meant for if they are never allowed the chance to pursue their destiny. We serve in the hope to allow all the freedom to grow into what they are meant to be."
Pooja stopped a moment to meet Leia's eyes. "That is beautiful. And what you added even more so." She shook her head and continued to read.
"Like these seeds, we have a destiny if we want to follow it. We live for a reason, and must discover what it is. If we wake to take action. If we conquer the fear of change, We, like Jibrate seeds evolve and transform when we fulfill our unique destiny. Can we, as a people, truly become what we are meant to be when the Empire tells us what we may say, what we may do, and what heights of freedom and achievement we can strive for?"
"You are each a seed and your vote your first step in deciding which path you will choose."
She looked up to see Leia her head buried in her hands.
"It's a beautiful speech. Every word is true!" Pooja reached out, an took one of Leia's hands. She tugged it gently from her face. "You're upset. What is it?"
"It is true, Pooja. And it doesn't just speak to the people of Naboo. It speaks to me—to my own destiny. To what I could become."
"I see," Pooja said, wrapping her cousin's hand in both of her own. "But you said it yourself you are also free. You don't have to pursue this destiny. It is your choice."
"A choice to be less than I could be. A choice to be a shadow of myself. Pooja, Luke said one time that being in the Alliance was a great preparation for the life of a Jedi: the constant travel—the traveling life of a Jedi going where the order is needed; the long periods of inaction kept varied by daily routines to maintain discipline—meditation and learning with practice of Jedi skills; the learning of other cultures to solve problems without violence if at all possible—a skill I have already learned over years as a diplomat.
I've lived this life as well. Acclimated to it, and even have a finance who will go with me wherever I go, and support me in this crazy life that most would run from."
"What hold you back then?" asks Pooja.
Leia shook her head. "I'm afraid. What if strength in the Force isn't the only inheritance I got from the Skyw—," Leia stooped herself. Taking a deep breath, she turned to meet Pooja's gaze and said, "From my father."
"Come with me a minute," Pooja said, laying aside her data pad and walking into the main seating area where Huwae and Lanu were watching a holocast. They quickly shut down as Leia entered.
"It's fine, boys," Pooja said, pulling a chair up in front of them and motioning for Leia to do the same. "I know I asked you not to play the Jedi holocast you found in front of Luke and Leia until I had a chance to tell them what you discovered, but I think Leia will be fine with seeing what you've found now."
"Show me?" asked Leia with a smile on her face, but steeling herself for who she feared she'd see.
"We found yo—I mean- Luke's father. Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi," said Lanu
"Is that what you were just viewing?" she asked.
"Sure," Huwae said, "I'll adjust the timer to the beginning of the recording."
Leia looked on as she saw two generals destroy a legion of battle droids with only a small squadron of clone troops behind them. But it was after the battle when the people cowering behind the crumbled ruins of buildings rushed out to thank the Jedi, she felt tears trickle down her cheeks. A small girl rushed up to her father reaching for a hug. He knelt and embraced her, smiling at the girl and tapping her nose with a finger. He smiled at the small girl. It was the same smile she saw reflected back in the mirror—her smile."
"We're sorry, Leia," said Lanu, looking up an shutting the holonet receiver off. "We didn't mean to upset you."
"You didn't," Leia assured them. Changing the subject, she added. "Where was that recording taken?"
"Trallet 3 on the outer rim. It's a farming community, but they were growing because an ore deposit found on their world was being bid on by several ship building companies, but the Separatist wanted to take control of the ore. General Kenobi and General Skywalker and handful of troops took out the entire attack force."
"We should get back to the speech," Pooja said, seeing Leia's discomfort.
Leia nodded and followed.
Once back in the study, Pooja turned to find a disc and motioned for Leia to sit. She settled across from her and tapped the silver circle as she placed it between them.
"The queen had this recording sent to us for Luke to review later if he liked. It is a recording of the fight among Jedi and a Sith lord and shows the death of Master Jedi Qui Gon Jinn. I've watched it and there is something at the end of the recording that may be important to understand about Anakin Skywalker."
Together they watched as two Jedis fought a Sith Lord, a double bladed saber spinning wildly.
Leia watched in equal horror and wonder at the fighters and their skill. Even knowing the demise of Master Jedi Qui Gon Jinn was coming did not make his death less disturbing.
Pooja began to adjust the sound as Obi Wan struggled to destroy the Sith. Leia held her breath as he clung to the inside of the exhaust shaft he was knocked into.
A few breaths later, he'd leapt in a way Leia knew must have been possible only for a Jedi and struck and the Sith. The red and black nightmare tumbled down the shaft in two pieces.
It was the words Leia heard next that surprised her though. "It's too late," Qui Gon gasped as Obi Wan Cradled his master to his side.
"No," protested Obi Wan.
"Obi Wan, promise," the dying master rasped. "Promise me you will train the boy."
"Yes Master," Obi Wan whispered midst his tears.
"He is the chosen one. He will bring balance. Train him."
"Chosen one?" asked Leia.
"I don't know either. There were hints of this spoken about in front of Artoo, but nothing that either Luke or I could find much information in our question and answer sessions. But apparently it wasn't something everyone on the Jedi council agreed with." She tapped a few more times on the disc and a new recording played. Obi Wan Kenobi was on one knee and pacing before him was a small green creature in Jedi robes.
"Confer on you the level of Jedi Knight the council does, but agree with your taking this boy as your Padawan learner, I do not."
"Qui Gon believed in him," Obi Wan returned.
"The chosen one, the boy may be, nevertheless, grave danger I fear in his training," said Yoda.
"Master Yoda, I gave Qui Gon my word. I will train Anakin. Without the approval of the council if if must."
"Qui Gon's defiance I sense in you. Need that, you do not. Agree with you the council does. You apprentice, Skywalker will be."
The recording ended. For a moment both women sat quietly absorbing what they'd seen.
"Yoda was the wisest of the Jedi, I thought," Leia finally said. "But he opposed his training. And again talk of a chosen one."
"Leia, something more was going on with Anakin Skywalker's situation than we know. I have a feeling it has something to do with the whole chosen one thing. But I can't be sure. Ryoo said Luke can talk to Obi Wan. Perhaps he can help you understand what happened."
"He won't," Leia said remembering her conversation with him on the veranda overlooking the lake at Varykino.
Seeing Pooja's surprised expression, Leia explained. "We've talked. Luke wasn't kidding when he said he's often cryptic and unhelpful." She chuckled sadly. "He did tell me what to do for this sort of information though."
At Pooja's questioning look she answered. "The last thing I'd ever want to do."
"Leia," Luke's voice carried throughout the residence. "The Queen wants to talk with us."
"I'm coming," she called. She caught Pooja's eye and said, "Thank you. Has Luke seen this yet?" she asked.
"Not yet," she replied. "The queen got it to me early this morning."
"Maybe he can find something out about it for you?" Pooja said hopefully.
"Maybe," Leia agreed, but in her heart she knew there was only one way to find the answer to all the fears and questions plaguing her about her father. To learn about his fall, what being the chosen one meant, and how she could avoid his mistakes, Leia would have to talk with her father himself.
Author's End Note:
I'm so excited! I'm almost finished. I'm working without a beta, and I'm furiously double and triple checking for mistakes, even making many corrections once chapters are posted, but I need to get this story up. Ideas for Ep. VIII The Jedi's Reckoning are enticing me, but I need to stay in editing mode, so I can't start that story until I finish this one. Hence the rapid updates.